Assistive Technology & Mobility Specialist

State of Maine; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maine is seeking an Assistive Technology Specialist in Lewiston to instruct individuals who are blind or visually impaired in orientation, safe travel, and AT solutions. You will assess needs, teach mobility and AT usage, and develop individualized training plans to promote independence in education, living, and employment.

Responsibilities include evaluating services, conducting usability tests, writing reports, and coordinating with families and professionals to enable successful

Qualifications

• Advanced education, training, and/or experience in blind or low vision rehabilitation services spanning disciplines such as orientation & mobility, assistive technology and occupational therapy, or other related fields concerning accessibility and disability with demonstrated competency in disability assessment, technological solutions, instructional methods, problem solving, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Assess individuals’ functional needs using standardized evaluation methods; analyzes vision/medical reports to determine appropriate accommodations, recommendations and instruction strategies.
• Teach individuals who are blind or low vision to understand concept development and spatial awareness, improve orientation, and interpret environmental surroundings to travel safely and independently using other senses to improve mobility.
• Provide instruction in the use of AT devices and software in multiple settings (home, school, workplace, etc.).
• Evaluate available services and expected results to determine feasibility of training to set reasonable goals for individuals.
• Conduct usability and user-testing sessions with AT tools to evaluate effectiveness and inform recommendations.
• Plans and develops training schedules; explains objectives of training program to trainees and other individuals to ensure understanding.
• Writes evaluation reports, progress notes, training summaries, master lists of cases, and related statistical data to document needs, progress, and work activity.
• Develops individual plan for training through discussion with individuals and evaluation of medical information to ensure individuals’ needs are met.
• Instructs in use of low vision aids and/or AT devices and software, for mobility and other purposes through knowledge of devices and degree/type of impairment to explain, teach usage, and enhance safe mobility.
• Counsels individuals and family members on adjustment to vision loss to assist individuals and their families experiencing the adjustment process.
• Conducts site evaluations at schools and other public facilities to assist in complying with ADA, IDEA, and other related mandates involving disabilities.
• Confers with social services providers and other professionals to provide and coordinate services.
• Develops community awareness of Blind Rehabilitation services to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating individuals.
• Researches, explores, and stays current with emerging AT tools and accessibility trends, including beta testing, reviewing new hardware/software, and building resource networks.

Skills

Disability assessment

O&M training

Assistive Technology

Communication skills

Adapt teaching methods

Collaboration

Education

Advanced education in blindness/low vision rehab

Tools

Screen reader proficiency

Screen magnification

Refreshable braille

Accessibility software

OCR/Scanning tools

Mobile accessibility

Job description

State of Maine is seeking an Assistive Technology Specialist in Lewiston to instruct individuals who are blind or visually impaired in orientation, safe travel, and AT solutions. You will assess needs, teach mobility and AT usage, and develop individualized training plans to promote independence in education, living, and employment.

Responsibilities include evaluating services, conducting usability tests, writing reports, and coordinating with families and professionals to enable successful